Category: 11 Plus Writing Exam Skills

  • Exploring Different Writing Styles: Finding Your Unique Voice

    Exploring Different Writing Styles: Finding Your Unique Voice

    Every writer has a voice. It’s the special way you tell a story, the words you choose, and the way your sentences flow. Have you ever read something and thought, “Wow, I know exactly who wrote this!”? That’s because the author’s voice was clear and strong. Finding your unique writing style can feel tricky at

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  • How to Build Tension and Suspense in Your Writing

    How to Build Tension and Suspense in Your Writing

    Have you ever read a story where you just couldn’t stop turning the pages? Where every word made your heart race, and you couldn’t wait to find out what happened next? That’s the power of tension and suspense. These tools are what keep readers glued to your story, eager to see what happens next. But

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  • Creating Atmosphere: Using Words to Set the Mood

    Creating Atmosphere: Using Words to Set the Mood

    Have you ever read a story that made you feel nervous, excited, or even peaceful just from the way it was described? That’s the power of atmosphere. Atmosphere is the feeling or mood you create in your story through your words, descriptions, and tone. Whether it’s a spooky haunted house, a bright summer’s day, or

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  • How to Plan and Write a Winning 11 Plus Essay

    How to Plan and Write a Winning 11 Plus Essay

    The 11 Plus exam is a significant milestone for children aiming to secure a place in selective grammar or independent schools. Among its various components, the essay writing task often feels like the most challenging. However, with the right preparation, structure, and mindset, your child can excel and approach this task with confidence. In this

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  • The Power of Sensory Details in Creative Writing

    The Power of Sensory Details in Creative Writing

    Have you ever read a story and felt like you were right there with the characters? Like you could smell the flowers, hear the birds, or feel the chill in the air? That magic happens when a writer uses sensory details. Sensory details help readers see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the world in your

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  • Mastering Show, Don’t Tell: A Complete Guide for Writers

    Mastering Show, Don’t Tell: A Complete Guide for Writers

    Have you ever been told to “show, don’t tell” when writing a story? It’s one of the most important tips for making your writing exciting, emotional, and real. But what does it actually mean? When you tell, you’re simply stating facts: “Lucy was scared.”When you show, you’re painting a picture: “Lucy’s hands shook as she

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  • How to Create Believable Characters in Your Stories

    How to Create Believable Characters in Your Stories

    Have you ever read a book and felt like the characters were real people? Like you could talk to them, laugh with them, or even argue with them? That’s because the author made those characters believable. Great stories don’t just have exciting plots—they have characters that readers care about. But how do you create characters

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  • How to Write Powerful Descriptions Without Overloading Your Readers

    How to Write Powerful Descriptions Without Overloading Your Readers

    Have you ever read a story where the descriptions went on and on until you forgot what was even happening? Or maybe you’ve read something so sparse that you couldn’t picture anything at all? Writing powerful descriptions is all about finding the right balance. When done well, descriptions can transport your reader into your world,

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  • Writing Dialogue That Feels Real and Natural

    Writing Dialogue That Feels Real and Natural

    Dialogue is one of the most exciting parts of a story. It’s where your characters get to speak, reveal their personalities, and move the plot forward. But writing good dialogue isn’t just about putting words inside quotation marks—it’s about making conversations sound real, natural, and believable. Have you ever read dialogue in a book that

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  • How to Write a Gripping Story Opening

    How to Write a Gripping Story Opening

    Have you ever picked up a book and, after just one page, felt like you had to keep reading? That’s the magic of a gripping opening. The start of your story is your chance to grab your reader’s attention and pull them into your world. If your opening is strong, your readers will stick around

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